MOVIE REVIEW: Cannibalistic horror movie 'Raw' is well done

Friday

Mar 17, 2017 at 6:30 AM

Writer-director Julia Ducournau's film is gross and grossly enlightening in turning a veterinarian-school freshman's sudden hunger for flesh into a stunning parable about female sexuality and anxiety-driven eating disorders.

By Al Alexander/For The Patriot Ledger

It had them fainting in the aisles at the Toronto Film Festival, but the meaty “Raw” is more likely to elicit swoons from horror fans ravenous for steak in a genre accustom to tofu. For this, they have newbie writer-director Julia Ducournau to thank. And what she’s cooked up is both mouth-watering and nutritious in its ability to be gross and grossly enlightening in turning a veterinarian-school freshman’s sudden hunger for flesh into a stunning parable about female sexuality and anxiety-driven eating disorders.

Dare I say it’s the coolest cannibal carnage to come along since Hannibal Lecter last popped a cork on a fine Chianti? Sure, why not? In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if during his European travels, the lecherous Lecter fathered the movie’s mousy teen heroine, Justine (Garance Marillier), which would be hilariously ironic since her Mom, Dad and sister, Alexia (Ella Rumpf), are, or were raised, as vegetarians. No meat will get past their lips. But when Justine springs from the lair of her overprotective parents to join Alexia at a foreboding French veterinary college, temptation seems to lurk around every corner.

Her hunky gay roommate, Adrien (Rabah Nait Oufella), is consistently tempting her hungry eyes, particularly when he doffs his shirt to play soccer. And being around dog, horse and cattle carcasses all day is whetting a craving she never knew she had. But then, isn’t that what college is supposed to be about – a time to experiment and broaden your palate? So why does Justine always feel so guilty, so out of step? And is it possible she’s the only virgin on campus? Ducournau has a lot of fun with the latter, providing scene after scene of Justine fending off the inner sex fiend she’s itching to become. But that’s not her only urge.

During a hazing ritual, she’s forced to eat a rabbit kidney, the first flesh she’s ever tasted. And she likes it. But as with sex, her newfound lust for meat must be handled responsibly. Can she control herself and all these new sensations? Ducournau cleverly shows us how a hamburger patty becomes a gateway drug to ever more dangerous cuisine, including finger food that’s literally a finger – the middle one, no less. How apropos, considering Ducournau is lifting her own middle finger to the double standards society places on women, both sexually and physically.

Her points are well made, but it’s her delivery that will have you squirming. I counted nearly a dozen scenes where I had to avert my eyes from the screen. It’s that disturbing. When’s the last time you could say that about a horror film? “Carrie”? Speaking of which, Ducournau gives that classic a memorable nod with a scene in which animal blood – buckets of it – are spilt on alleged innocents. But “Raw” is spectacularly all her own, providing us with plenty to chew on in feeding us a decadent casserole of brains and regurgitated – let’s just say “stuff” – you can really sink your teeth into. And coming as it does directly on the tails of the equally delicious “Get Out,” “Raw” is further proof that horror is far from cooked. RAW (R for aberrant behavior, bloody and grisly images, strong sexuality, nudity, language and drug use/partying.) Cast includes Garance Marillier, Ella Rumpf and Rabah Nait Oufella. In French with English subtitles. Grade: A-